Need advice on pre owned XK8 Jag

We have never owned a Jag. We live in the SF Bay Area, CA
We are thinking of buying a pre owned XK8 Convertible.
Model year 1998 to 2003.
The prices seems to range from  $18,000 to $30,000.
We are not sure which model year we will end up with...
it will depend on the deal we get.

We are undecided as which XK8 to get..convertible or hard top ?
Any thoughts?

We would like to get a convertible.
Though we have a few friends who say convertibles may bring a set a
problems...
1. the rag top may need replacing every so often and that could be an
expensive issue.
2. The temp inside the car may not be like a hardtop when it is comes
to
AC or heating or there may be leaks.
3.There may be a lot of noise.
4.The wear and tear on mechanisim of raising/ lowering the top may be
expensive if it needs attention or replacement. Are these prone to
problems?

Can anyone who has had such a car please comment on the above
re:Jag convertibles vs hardtops?
Any advice as which one is better in your opinion?

In terms of model years..are there any that are better than others ?
or any model years to be avoided ?

We would really like to get a convertible.

Any other tips would be highly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your input.
Kim